Epiphyllum Gongbi Workshop with Victoria 0715

Date: July 15, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Pacific Time)
Format: Live on Zoom *recorded with forever access

This summer, join Victoria for an advanced Gongbi workshop inspired by the masterful techniques of Tian Shiguang (田世光), focusing on the elegant and vivid 令箭荷花 (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Known for its sculptural stems and radiant blossoms, this cactus flower blooms boldly in daylight, unlike its nocturnal cousin 曗花 (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), the fleeting “Queen of the Night.” The Epiphyllum’s dramatic form and saturated hues make it a compelling subject in the elaborated Gongbi tradition.

This workshop will follow the principles of elaborated style Gongbi (工精重彩)—a refined and highly disciplined approach emphasizing precise coloring, delicate tonal transitions, and the layered use of mineral and plant pigments to achieve depth, luminosity, and softness. Inspired by Tian Shiguang’s painterly rendering, Victoria will guide students through each phase of painting development: from ink outlining and color testing, to gradual layering that brings the flower to life with elegance and realism.

What You’ll Learn:
• How to interpret the structure and gesture of Euphorbia pulcherrima through value and color, in addition to outline emphasis
• Color sequencing techniques for layered washes in Gongbi painting
• Use of both transparent and opaque pigments to build dimensionality and glow
• Moisture control for seamless blending of red, pink, and green tonal ranges
• Understanding the tonal hierarchy between main bloom, buds, and foliage
• Inscribing poetic calligraphy on your painting: “丹華映日” (Dan Hua Ying Ri – "Red Blossom Reflects the Sun")

Victoria’s thoughtful and accessible teaching style makes this workshop suitable for both beginners and seasoned artists. Her step-by-step guidance helps students build confidence with traditional techniques while deepening their appreciation of Gongbi’s elegance and expressive power.

Supplies List (not included in class fee):

• None-absorbent Sized Xuan Paper: For this workshop, you will need 2 pieces of 13.5" x 9" sized Xuan paper. Cicada-wing-sized Xuan is highly recommended for sharper lines: Cicada-wing-sized Xuan Paper
• Brushes:
  • Seven-wolf-three-sheep Brush
  • Essential Three Chinese Painting Brushes for water, color, and detail work.
• Color and Ink:
  • Marie’s 12 color tubes
  • Liquid Sumi Ink
• LED Lightbox (Optional): A4 size for tracing (available on Amazon for less than $10)

Class Handouts:  Detailed class handouts with template will be emailed to all registrants the weekend prior to the workshop.

Join us to paint this radiant summer subject in full bloom!